News & Feature Stories
Be Part Of Pint Of Origin In 2023!
Applications are now open for any venue wishing to be part of Pint of Origin when it returns in May 2023. Make sure you get your application in before November 25 – we'll notify successful applicants in early December.
Who Brews Cold Hands Beers?
The crew behind Cold Hands Brewing only started brewing together in February but they've wasted no time launching with their first commercial release out in September. We got in touch to hear how they brought it all together.
Bonza Airlines Will Take Flight With All Indie Beer
Bonza Airlines are a new low-cost airline set to launch in the near future but when they do, its beer and food offering won't look all that low-cost. Instead, they'll be stocking entirely indie beer from the likes of Your Mates, Ballistic and Spinifex.
Pink Boots Australia: Ten Years, Ten Beers & Hundreds Of Careers
Over the last ten years, Pink Boots Australia has been an essential community and support network for women and non-binary members of the beer industry. As the local chapter turns ten, we chatted to the not-for-profit's past presidents about its important role, what they're proud of and what they hope to see change.
Tar Barrel: Old Dog, New Tricks
After three years, the links between Tar Barrel and Mornington Peninsula Brewery are no more. As owner Matt Bebe makes a fresh start where he began, we chatted to him about staying local and the lessons learnt along the way.
Who Brews Hedonbar Beers?
It was while travelling they decided to start a brewery, and a beer label in Hong Kong that gave them their name. We caught up with the couple behind Hedonbar as they prepare to open their brewery and taproom on the Yorke Peninsula.
17 Years Of The Brisbanest Beers
You'll find breweries in most parts of Brisbane these days, but long before the city's craft beer scene exploded a young couple decided to open a brewpub in the CBD. Seventeen years on, we joined them for a trip down Memory Lane.
From Cask Ale To The Beerfarm: Young Gun Emma Locke
Emma Locke's first brush with beer came while pulling pints of cask ale to help fund a uni degree in the heart of England. Now, having switched British pubs for WA's Beerfarm, she's been named Indies Young Gun of the Year for 2022.
Who Brews Method Brewery Beers?
It takes a particular set of skills to set up a new brewery but when it comes to Newcastle's latest, the founders feel like they've been building towards it for some time. We caught up with the folks at Method Brewing to find out about the method behind the Islington brewery and beers.
Blackflag Open Their Coolum Compound
Blackflag Brewing's production brewery and taproom in Coolum Beach is a big step up from their Mooloolaba alleyway venue, with space and demand to expand almost immediately. We got in touch as it opens to the public.
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Wild Yeast Zoo
Wild beers are the oldest form of brewing and still capture a certain romance. Stepping into that fray is Wild Yeast Zoo, a Newcastle-based venture that hopes to uncover new yeast strains of yeast and bring the public along for the journey.
The Keys To A Good Time – Yours From Today
The Keys Leisure Centre could well be Melbourne's most multifaceted venue, with the Preston haunt including a bowling alley, arcade, bistro, beer garden and three bars. As it opens, we chatted to one of the founders.
Who Brews Common People Beers?
People are drawn to the Northern Rivers village of Bangalow for many reasons. One group of friends was drawn there to start a brewery by the people, for the people. Find out more as we ask Who Brews Common People Beers?
Big Shed: Ten Lessons From Ten Years
Big Shed's story is the quintessential craft beer tale of two homebrewers taking a chance on themselves and their beers. As they celebrate a decade since launching, we asked Jason and Craig what they've learnt over the years.
Wayward & Batch Join Forces As The Local Drinks Collective
Wayward and Batch have today announced the formation of a new collective of independent breweries they hope will give them greater firepower to compete with the multinational beverage companies dominating Australia.
Consolidation & Cooperation: Where To For Indie Beer?
Today's launch of the Local Drinks Collective by Wayward and Batch adds another layer of nuance to the local brewing industry. We look at what lies behind it and whether we'll see more cooperation and consolidation among small brewers.
Akasha To Open A Sydney Barrel Room
They're best known for their mastery of hops, but the team at Akasha are set to showcase a rather different side to the brewery. We called into the soon-to-open Akasha Barrel Room in Leichhardt to get the lowdown.
The Indies 2022 Winners
White Bay claimed Champion Beer for their Lager at the 2022 Indies, a night on which Moffat Beach continued their remarkable run of form, and Jade Flavell of The Wheaty won a Champion Brewery trophy and the Services To Industry award.
A Day In The Life Of: A Beer Steward
Ahead of the 2022 Indies awards, we went behind the scenes at judging. While there, Will Ziebell spent time with Joslyn Erickson, the Indies Coordinator, to find out who and what goes into becoming a beer awards steward.
Dainton Open A Second Taphouse In Melbourne
Following a successful crowdfunding campaign earlier in the year, Dainton Beer have taken over the former home of The Public Brewery in Croydon. It opens under the new owners for the first time this evening.
The Beer Slingers: Bobbie Peels
After years running various hospo businesses, including launching Burnley Brewing, old mates Phil Gijsbers and Neil Mills have their first pub. With renos complete at the historic Bobbie Peels, we invited them to kick off a new series.
Jarrah Boy Brings Native Ingredients To The Fore
A new Sunshine Coast-based brewing company showcasing native ingredients is set to launch later this month. Jarrah Boy is the latest venture from Dale Vocale, an Indigenous chef, entrepreneur and proud Monero Ngarigo man.
Bar La Sirène Opens In Alphington
More than a decade after moving into a warehouse in Melbourne's inner northeast, the farmhouse and wild ale specialists at La Sirène have opened their doors to the public. We called in for a chat, beer, food and champagne.
Beer Agents For Change Launch Second Diversity Survey
Beer Agents For Change have today launched their second Diversity Survey. The aim is to put together a snapshot of people's experiences in the beer industry with a particular focus on diversity, inclusivity and discrimination.
Exit Australian Brewery. Enter Esker Beer Co
The Australian Hotel & Brewery is entering a new era with the launch of Esker Beer Company. The new name and design was picked to better connect the longstanding brewery with their surrounds in Sydney's outer northwest.
Vale Head Back To The Vale
After two months of trophy triumph here and on the global stage, Vale Brewing are heading back to the region from which they took their name. Ahead of tomorrow's opening, Matt King chatted to them about their taphouse in McLaren Vale.
The Spirit Of Oztoberfest
Oktoberfest celebrations have long been a fixture in the beer calendar but 2022 has seen such events go into overdrive. We chatted to some of those behind the feast of fests to find out what they love about this time of year.
The Brewer Who Can See Flavour
When Ian Watson tastes beer, he sees colour. He has synaesthesia, and this condition shapes the way he tastes beer – and the way he brews it. We caught up with one of the country's most experienced brewers to find out more.
Who Brews Ursa Major Beer?
Ursa Major is only visible in the Northern Hemisphere but the brewing company bearing the name brew their "otherworldly beer" in Australia. The founders are global brewers, who met in another city and still make beer from two bases.
Du Cane's Brewery & Dining Hall Launches In Launceston
Launceston will have a brewpub of its own from this week as Du Cane Brewery & Dining Hall opens its doors. We chatted to founder Will Horan about what beer fans can expect from the space and his new partnership.
Who Brews Squinters Beers?
A squinter is someone who lives in Western Sydney and drives into the city early morning looking at the sun, only to face the same fate on the way home. That reality has inspired Penrith's newest brewery, Squinters Brewing Co.
Brick Lane Join The B Corp Brigade
Brick Lane Brewing have joined the tiny but growing number of Australian breweries with B Corp certification. The accreditation can only be achieved by businesses whose environmental and social actions meet a high standard.
The Collaborators: Deep Liquid's AI Recipe Designs
We live in an age of unlimited limiteds in which new releases are never-ending. Into this landscape steps Deep Liquid, an artificial intelligence program that aims to use customer feedback to help brewers design and brew better beer.
The Collaborators: South West Hops
It's not just the brewing scene that's expanding apace in WA's South West – there's a growing number of local producers supplying brewers too. Among them is South West Hops, who significantly stepped up their output in 2022.
Brew & A: Reckless Brewing's Grace Fowler
Reckless have brought local beer back to Bathurst and leading the way is co-founder Grace Fowler. We caught up with the longtime brewer to hear how she went from a "baptism of fire" to head brewer of her own operation.
Steph Howard's New Heights
She started out in the beer industry as a 20-year-old that didn't drink beer but has become one of the best-known individuals both here and in NZ. We sat down with Steph Howard as she steps into an even bigger role at Cryer Malt.
The Collaborators: Chilled Solutions
Chilled Solutions are dedicated to helping bartenders pour perfect pints but their essential role tends to be hidden from beer drinkers. We caught up with the founders of the small Melbourne business to find out why they launched and how they become the beer techs of choice for indie bars and breweries.
Colonial Brewing Co Becomes CBCo
Following controversy surrounding their name, Colonial Brewing Co have transitioned to become CBCo, with the decision made to "better reflect modern tastes" and help drive their continued growth.
Capital Become A B Corp Business
Capital Brewing have secured B Corp accreditation, making them just one of three Australian brewing companies to secure the status in acknowledgement of their positive social and environmental impact.
Want To Own A Bar For Free?
Want to own a bar for free? The founders of crafty Preston hangout Hard Rubbish are moving on and have decided the best way to find the right owners for their beloved Hardo is to give it away to the people with the best vision for its future.
Who Brews Full Circle Beers?
Small breweries cropping up in all manner of places but few as impressive as Bridgetown's grand hotel. We caught up with the Full Circle crew who brew out of The Bridgetown Hotel in the small town three hours from Perth.
Hops 'n' Robbers
It's not uncommon for brewpubs to have a stack of games for anyone looking to settle in but no there's a card game with breweries at its heart. We caught up with the creators of Hops ‘n’ Robbers to find out more.
HPA Invest In Major New Pellet Plant
The country's largest hop grower is investing in a major pelleting plant in Victoria which will allow them to keep up with their expanding farm capacity. Hop Products Australia also believe it will provide more consistent hops for brewers.
Sobah & The Good Beer Co Coral’ate For The Reef
Sobah and The Good Beer Co have long supported important causes. Now, with their latest beer they have come together to give the Great Barrier Reef a bit of TLC.
Shut Up And Drink Your Dessert: Pastry Beers Part 2
Pastry beers are everywhere now, like it or not. In part two of our deep dive, we explore their appeal: who's drinking them, the brewers' intentions and why they're still "real beer" – as well as the cost to your wallet and waistline.
Who Brews Yard Kings Beers?
Yard Kings Brewing Co combines brewery, taproom and smokehouse in Morriset. We got in touch with one of the five families behind the venture to find out more about their decision to enter the world of pro brewing.
Stomping Ground Bought By Good Drinks
Good Drinks, the company that includes beer brands such as Gage Roads, Atomic and Matso's, has bought Stomping Ground. The 100 percent acquisition sees the ASX-listed company expand its portfolio and establish a foothold in Victorian.
SurfCraft: Celebrating The Brookvale Six With Beer
A new brewing company is launching in the Northern Beaches this week. SurfCraft has been created to celebrate the Brookvale Six – the surfboard manufacturers who helped change the face of surfing in Australia.
Curly Lewis Bring Brewing To Bondi
Sydney's west is bursting at the seams with breweries yet the city's inner east hasn't enjoyed the same beer boom. That looks set to change, however, with Curly Lewis about to open the doors to their Bondi Beach brewery and bar.
Shut Up And Drink Your Dessert: Pastry Beers Part 1
Sweet, thick beers that taste like dessert used to be few and far between, but now it feels like they're everywhere. In the first of this two-part deep dive, we look at what pastry beers are, where they came from, and how they're made.
